Hochul Imposes 1-Year Moratorium on A.I. Data Centers as Voter Opposition Reaches 70%
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Aug 4
Hochul Imposes 1-Year Moratorium on A.I. Data Centers as Voter Opposition Reaches 70%
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Aug 4
Summary
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has imposed a one-year moratorium on A.I. data center construction, marking a notable state-level curb on the sector’s expansion.
70% of voters opposed a data center being built where they live by May, up from about 40% in a Heatmap News poll last August, reflecting a sharp rise in local resistance.
Water use, electricity demand and aesthetics are driving the backlash, alongside broader anger at A.I. companies and the technology behind the projects.
More than 100 local or statewide moratorium proposals have surfaced nationwide, with figures from both parties — including Ron DeSantis and Bernie Sanders — backing tougher limits.